[GUIDE] Installing 2005-2007 Ford Focus Spark Plugs

[bseos]

Installing 2005-2007 Ford Focus Spark Plugs

The following guide outlines the procedure for replacing the spark plugs in the 2.0 and 2.3 liter Duratec engines found in 2004-2007 Focus models. Replacement for OEM spark plugs is suggested every 100,000 kilometres.

For spark plugs that have an adjustable gap between the electrodes, the suggested gap is 0.050". OEM Motorcraft double platinum spark plugs, which are used in this guide, come pre-gapped and cannot be altered.

Tools used in this guide:

• 1/2" Ratchet Extension (1)
• 1/2" Socket Wrench (1)
• 5/8" Spark Plug Socket (1)
• 8mm Deep Socket (1)
• Anti-Seize Compound (1)
• Compressed Air (1)
• Dielectric Grease (1)
• Torque Wrench (1)

Relevant parts:

• Ford Focus Duratec Spark Plugs (4)

*Download Guide in PDF Format

Step 1 — Spark Plugs

• Use compressed air to clear any debris from the area around the ignition coils on top of the engine.
  

• Any particles that fall into the ignition cylinder could cause serious engine damage.

Step 2

• Remove the ignition coil electrical connector by first depressing the plastic tab on top of the connector.
  
• Pull the connector straight away from the ignition coil to detach it.
  
• Repeat this procedure for the remaining three ignition coils.

Step 3

• Use an 8 mm deep socket to loosen the four ignition coil mounting bolts.
  
• Once the bolts are loose, they can be removed by hand.

Step 4

• Twist the ignition coil and spark plug boot while lifting it straight up to remove it from the engine.
  
• Avoid rocking the coil and boot side-to-side, since this could break the existing spark plug.
  
• The procedure to remove the ignition coil and spark plug boot is the same for each spark plug. However, to reduce the chance of dirt entering the engine, only remove one at a time.

Step 5

• Use a ratcheting socket wrench with an extender and a 5/8" spark plug socket to remove the existing spark plug from the cylinder head. Make sure that the spark plug is completely seated in the rubber end of the socket before loosening it.
  

• Spark plug sockets have rubber in the end of them to grip the spark plug and are made long enough to keep from snapping the spark plug. There are other common methods for removing spark plugs that involve using a long piece of rubber tubing to pull them out, but using a spark plug socket is the correct procedure.

Step 6

• Apply dielectric grease to the ribbed portion of the insulator.
  
• Gently place the spark plug boot over the ribs and twist the two pieces back and forth to even out the layer of dielectric grease.

Step 7

• Place the new spark plug firmly in the spark plug socket so that the threaded end sticks out.
  
• Apply an even layer of anti-seize compound to the threads of the spark plug.
  

• Be careful not to get any of the anti-seize compound on the spark plug's electrode.

Step 8

• Place the new spark plug into the cylinder head and tighten it by hand as much as you can.
  
• Tighten the spark plugs to 11 ft-lbs with a torque wrench.

Step 9

• Place the ignition coil and dust boot back over the spark plug by pushing down and twisting it into place.
  
• Reconnect the ignition coil electrical connector by snapping it back into place.
  
• After installing your new spark plugs, compare the old ones to a spark plug wear chart to determine if there are any issues with the way your engine is running. A similar chart can be found in the back of all Haynes repair manuals.

Disclaimer. The above guide was not written by me. All due credit goes to author David Hodson over @ ifixit.com. Click here to view the original guide.

[#Russ#Es#]

Good guide, thanks for posting

[casabonka]

perfect timing - mine should be coming from the UK any day!

[DZFord]

Great guide. Sticky?!

You don't need to detach the ignition lead from the spark plug boot. If you were to, I'd only do one at a time so the leads aren't mixed up.

[casabonka]

Yes you may all laugh at me... but what does the Dielectric grease actually do? Done a quick google search and im still blank!
Will stop at autobarn tomorrow and get some, as I'm doing the plus tomorrow...

[DZFord]

Dielectric grease is non-conductive. It acts as a sealent between the spark plug boot and the spark plug itself. It may help to prevent wear of the boot.

Probably does nothing in other words.

[casabonka]

ahh thx mate

[bseos]

Originally Posted by casabonka

Yes you may all laugh at me... but what does the Dielectric grease actually do? Done a quick google search and im still blank!
Will stop at autobarn tomorrow and get some, as I'm doing the plus tomorrow...

I picked up the following sachets for 99cents each at super cheap auto. They keep em near the spark plugs cabinet.

• Permatex® Counterman’s Choice® Anti-Seize Lubricant

  Use during assembly to prevent galling, corrosion and seizing and to assure easier disassembly.
  Suggested Applications: For easy removal of spark plugs, cylinder head and exhaust head bolts.

• Permatex® Counterman’s Choice® Spark Plug Boot & Electrical Connector Dielectric Grease

  Dielectric Grease provides a moisture-proof barrier that lubricates and protects electrical equipment from salt, dirt and corrosion.
  Suggested Applications: Marine and automotive electrical connections, spark plug boots, trailer hitches, battery terminals

[casabonka]

Done these on Thursday afternoon - cant beleive how quick it was, Think I was done within about 15 mins! That was after an emergency run to Supercheap when I realised my socket extender was too short...
great guide though!

[bseos]

Originally Posted by casabonka

Done these on Thursday afternoon..

At how many km's did you change at? Did you notice any improvement in responsiveness when you step on it (accelerate)?

[casabonka]

Originally Posted by bseos

At how many km's did you change at? Did you notice any improvement in responsiveness when you step on it (accelerate)?

I done mine quiet early at 60k - took advantage of cheap plugs on ebay and some money sitting in paypal.

Have I noticed a difference? No not really - the plugs I pulled out didnt look too bad. I also cleaned my filter at the same time, and since doing about 300kms over the weekend I have noticed my avg fuel consumption go down from mid to high 8's back down to 7.3-7.4 that it was sitting at a while ago, so not sure how much is from the plugs, and how much from the filter clean!